Carlo Rock - Alaska

Carlingford is a cracking example of Great Lakes wreck diving, exactly what we look for when exploring these historic waters. She’s a timber schooner, remarkably intact, and it’s the sense of history that really gets us here. You can almost feel the chill of the original sinking. We love following the line of her hull, tracing the ribs and imagining the deck above. The visibility here can be tricky, especially after a good blow, but on a calm day, with the sun shafting through the water, it’s magical. The real draw, beyond the history, is the way the lake has reclaimed her. Freshwater mussels cling to every surface, and we’ve often spotted the odd Shorthead Redhorse nosing around the deeper sections of the wreck. Penetration is possible for experienced wreck divers, but we always advocate for a good light and plenty of training before you consider it. For most, an exterior tour is plenty rewarding. The stern is our favourite part, where the rudder still sits largely in place, a silent testament to her final moments. It’s a site that suits divers who appreciate historical context over colourful reefs, and who don’t mind the bracing chill of Canadian freshwater. Come prepared for the cold; a drysuit is non-negotiable in our book.

Location
Alaska, United States, North America
Coordinates
53.384285, -130.397890
Type
wreck

Wreck History - Carlo Rock

Year Sunk
1919
Vessel Type
barge
Cause
storm
Tonnage
867 GRT

The Carlingford was a steel schooner-barge built in 1896, part of a fleet of unpowered vessels designed to be towed by steamers across the Great Lakes. In late November 1919, the Carlingford, laden with 90,000 bushels of barley, was under tow by the steamer G.G. Barnum. They were caught in one of the infamous and violent Great Lakes storms. The tow line snapped, leaving the Carlingford and its crew at the mercy of the tempest. The vessel foundered and sank, though thankfully, its crew was rescued by the G.G. Barnum before she went down.

Today, the Carlingford rests upright and remarkably intact in the cold, preserving waters of Lake Superior. The wreck is a favorite among technical divers due to its depth and condition. Divers can explore the decks, see the intact masts, and peer into the cargo holds still filled with barley. The site serves as a poignant reminder of the power of the Great Lakes and the perils faced by sailors during the golden age of steam and sail.

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